00WJ1985

Ive recently purchased a 2000 grand Cherokee inline 6 and now see why everyone says maintaining a jeep is a never ending journey. I've dealt with the usual tail-light issue, the passenger floor ac leak but now my brakes are engaging while driving. Today it happened for the second time, and car was hard to drive as I had to battle the engaged brakes. When I got home I noticed the front right caliper was where the smell was coming from and there was a light visible smoke coming from brake caliper area near bottom control arm. I am no mechanic but can usually get it fixed once I know what I'm doing. The first time it happened I got home and let the car cool down overnight and it drove normally with no issues the next day; but since it's only the front drivers side brake having the issue any idea why this is happening on and off and what I can do to fix? Sorry for writing a novel just trying to be detailed.

timberwolf

sounds like a sticking caliper, only fix is to replace it.

there is a small chance the brake line is collapsing and not releasing pressure

dave1123

The 2000 WJ has double piston front calipers and either one piston is locked up or the slide bushings are seized. Either way, heat will build up and make the problem worse. I had this problem with my old ZJ. I had just replaced the brake pads and didn't pay attention to the bushings. Having moved the bushings back to install the pads, they were in a position where they were binding. After about 5 miles, one of my wheels was smoking! I removed all 4 calipers and cleaned and lubed the bushings. End of problem.

The sleeves and rubber covers are inexpensive to replace. If a piston is stuck, get a new caliper. IMO, replace both. Be sure to buy the "loaded" calipers because you get all the hardware with it.